Compact photovoltaic generation assembly and power supply

ABSTRACT

A compact photovoltaic generation assembly exhibiting improved photovoltaic efficiency and an extended operating life as compared to conventional photovoltaic systems is described. The assembly can also include a power supply for use at times when light energy is not readily available.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of solar energyconversion; particularly to devices for converting solar photons into anelectric current, and most particularly to a compact photovoltaicgeneration assembly exhibiting improved photovoltaic efficiency and anextended operating life as compared to conventional photovoltaicsystems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The cost of generating electricity has significantly increased over thepast several years leading to a resurgence of interest in alternativemethods for the generation of power, such as, the generation ofelectricity from sunlight.

Although solar power shows great promise as a source of electricalenergy, the photovoltaic materials used to convert sunlight intoelectricity are expensive, fragile and inefficient in operation. Thus,utilization of such materials is wrought with difficulties anddisadvantages.

First, conventional solar power generating devices are large and thus,occupy a great deal of space. The power generated by a photovoltaicsystem is proportional to the illumination thereon, and if large amountsof power are required, large collection areas are also required; i.e. alarge photovoltaic system produces only a small amount of energy. As aresult, photovoltaic systems are cumbersome, complicated and often havemultiple parts, thus, necessitating difficult and expensive installationby trained professionals. Furthermore, a photovoltaic system is commonlyinstalled on a roof or upper portion of a building to be supplied withpower, as optimum operation is dependent on orientation to the sun. Manyhomes and buildings do not have the structure to maintain thisorientation, thus, these systems exhibit only short periods of optimumoperation. Accordingly, conventional solar power-generating systems areexpensive, impractical and inefficient, and, therefore, not verypopular.

Additionally, photovoltaic materials have a short operating life as theyare highly susceptible to physical degradation. Continual exposure toheat, infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation and destructive weatherconditions all contribute to this degradation, furthering inefficiencyof the system. Thus, frequent replacement of the materials is necessary,adding to the already high cost of a photovoltaic system.

If solar power is to become a standard means for the generation ofelectricity, it must be inexpensive, efficient and convenient to use.Thus, improvements to solar power generating systems that alleviate theabove-described disadvantages are necessary.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

People have been trying for years to mainstream solar power by improvingefficiency and reducing expense of the photovoltaic system.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,396,239 B1, issued to Benn et al., on May 28, 2002,discloses a portable solar generator cart having flexible componentsthat can be positioned to receive the most direct sunlight. Thisgenerator is small, easily installed and can eliminate the need for anexpensive, roof-based photovoltaic system.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,677, issued to Herbert A. Geisler, Jr., on May 16,1989, discloses a solar generator having a diamond-shaped enclosure anda spheroid solar cell array internal to the enclosure. Thediamond-shaped enclosure is constructed from light-transmissive panelsand thus, does not protect the internal solar cell array from directexposure to sunlight. The spherical array is disclosed as making the“most efficient use of space and available light such that there is aminimal power shortage in the event that a cloud passes over” (column 3,lines 32-35). The use of fiber optics is not disclosed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,860, issued to Matthew Cherney on Nov. 19, 1996,discloses a fiber optic solar power-generating system. In this system,light is collected from an external tower and transmitted via opticalfibers to internal photovoltaic plates. These photovoltaic plates arearranged in stacks to allow for high surface area. Since these stacksare contained within the structure (building to which the power issupplied), the photovoltaic plates are not exposed to weather or directsunlight and therefore, can be inexpensively fabricated (see column 1,line 65 to column 2, lines 1-10 and column 2, lines 35-40).

The above-referenced patents disclose various aspects of knownphotovoltaic systems. However, these patents, whether singly or incombination, do not disclose the specific details of the invention asinstantly described.

ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS

The following list defines terms, phrases and abbreviations usedthroughout the instant specification. Although the terms, phrases andabbreviations are listed in the singular tense, the definitions areintended to encompass all grammatical forms.

As used herein, the term “AC current” refers to an alternatingelectrical current that flows in one direction, reverses and flows inthe opposite direction. Household appliances generally run on ACcurrent.

As used herein, the term “DC current” refers to a direct electricalcurrent that flows in one direction only. Photovoltaic systems typicallyproduce DC current.

As used herein, the term “voltage inverter” refers to an electricaldevice that converts DC current to AC current.

As used herein, the term “photovoltaic”, abbreviated as “PV”, refers tothe direct conversion of light energy into electricity.

As used herein, the term “photovoltaic material” refers to any type ofmaterial capable of converting light energy into electricity.

As used herein, the term “photovoltaic generation assembly” refers to acomplete set of components for converting light energy into electricityby the photovoltaic process. The term “photovoltaic system” is also usedto refer to a photovoltaic generation assembly.

As used herein, the term “photovoltaic power supply” refers to aphotovoltaic generation assembly that also includes a power supply foruse when light energy is not readily available. The power supply ispreferably, but is not limited to, an electrical storage means in theform of a rechargeable battery.

As used herein, the term “photovoltaic element” refers to an essentiallyplanar assembly of solar cells or any photovoltaic material andancillary parts, for example, but not limited to, interconnections,terminals and diodes, intended to generate DC power from light energy.The term “photovoltaic module” is also used to refer to a photovoltaicelement.

As used herein, the term “photovoltaic array” refers to aninterconnected system of photovoltaic elements that function as a singleelectricity-producing unit.

As used herein, the term “photovoltaic cell” refers to the smallestsemiconductor unit within a photovoltaic element. The term “solar cell”is also used to refer to a photovoltaic cell.

As used herein, the term “photovoltaic efficiency” refers to the ratioof electric power produced by a cell at any instant to the power of thelight energy striking the cell.

As used herein, the term “cold light” refers to light emitted from asubstance that is not strongly heated, i.e. the light emission is notsimply thermal radiation. The term “luminescence” is also used to referto cold light.

As used herein, the term “fiber optic element” refers to any materialthat transmits and/or transfers light energy via fiber optics.

As used herein, the term “fiber optics” refers to the use of thinflexible transparent fibers to transmit light signals over distances.Light transmitted via fiber optics is cold light. The fibers used infiber optics are preferably, but not limited to, glass fibers arrangedin bundles.

As used herein, the term “light-energy collector” refers to any materialthat collects light energy to be transferred by fiber optic elements.Preferably, the light-energy collector is, but not limited to, a lensthat collects and concentrates light energy to a small area.

As used herein, the term “solar tracking device” refers to a device thatfollows the path of the sun to maximize the solar radiation on thephotovoltaic surface. Solar tracking devices are included in anembodiment of the invention.

As used herein, the term “fresnel lens” refers to a lens havingconcentric rings faced at slightly different angles such that lightfalling on any ring is focused to the same point. Placing a light sourceat the focal point of a fresnel lens gives rise to a strong beam ofnearly parallel rays.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention generally provides a solar-powered generator thatis inexpensive, efficient and convenient to use. The instant invention,in particular, provides a compact photovoltaic generation assemblyexhibiting improved photovoltaic efficiency and an extended operatinglife as compared to conventional photovoltaic systems.

Both the individual components of the assembly and their arrangementcontribute to its improved efficiency and extended operating life.

Photovoltaic materials operate best at low temperatures.

Continual exposure to elevated temperature decreases the power output ofphotovoltaic materials, i.e. decreases the voltage. In order to preventa drop in voltage with its accompanying decrease in efficiency, thephotovoltaic elements of the assembly are protected from direct light bya light-impervious housing.

Additionally, in this assembly, light is transferred to the photovoltaicmaterial via fiber optic elements. Since no heat is transferred viafiber optics, the light transfer is cold. Thus, the photovoltaicmaterials are further protected from decreased efficiency due to heatdamage.

Conventional solar panels are generally placed in a horizontalorientation, as on a roof, such that light reaches one surface. Thecomponents of the described assembly are arranged such that thephotovoltaic materials are vertically placed within the light-impervioushousing, thus surface area exposed to light is increased and the overallsize of the assembly is decreased. Thus, a compact design is possible asthe photovoltaic surface area does not require a large space andtherefore the need for a complex and expensive roof-based photovoltaicsystem is eliminated.

The compact size itself gives the assembly several advantages, forexample, portability. It can be easily delivered and installed withoutthe added expense and complexities of conventional photovoltaic systems.Furthermore, the assembly does not become a permanent part of thebuilding to which it is connected. It can be easily disconnected,transferred and quickly re-installed at a new location, i.e. if ahomeowner is moving, he/she can move the assembly to the new home.

This invention provides many tangible benefits to the world community.It is inexpensive, efficiently-operating and conveniently-useable, thusencouraging utilization of solar power which, in turn, can lead to adecreased dependence on fossil fuels. It can save money by supplementingelectricity purchased from a utility grid or it can replace the utilitygrid during electrical power outages and/or shortages. Furthermore, thisassembly can provide power to developing areas of the world whereelectricity is not readily available.

It is an objective of the instant invention to provide a device forconverting solar photon energy into an electric current.

It is an objective of the instant invention to provide a photovoltaicgeneration assembly exhibiting improved photovoltaic efficiency and anextended operating life.

It is another objective of the instant invention to provide aphotovoltaic power supply exhibiting improved photovoltaic efficiencyand an extended operating life for use at times when light energy is notreadily available.

It is another objective of the instant invention to provide aphotovoltaic generation assembly and power supply having a compactdesign.

It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a“roofless” photovoltaic system.

It is an objective of the instant invention to provide a portablephotovoltaic generation assembly that can be quickly and easilydelivered, installed, disconnected, transferred and re-installed at anew location.

It is an objective of the instant invention to provide a photovoltaicgeneration assembly and power supply that is inexpensive,efficiently-operating and conveniently-useable. It is another objectiveof the instant invention to provide a photovoltaic generation assemblywherein the photovoltaic elements of the assembly are protected fromdirect light by a light-impervious housing thus extending the operatinglife of the photovoltaic elements.

It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide aphotovoltaic generation assembly wherein the components are arrangedsuch that the photovoltaic materials are vertically placed within thelight-impervious housing, thus surface area exposed to light isincreased and the overall size of the assembly is decreased.

It is an objective of the instant invention to provide a photovoltaicgeneration assembly utilizing the cold light of fiber optics fortransfer of light to further protect the photovoltaic materials fromdecreased efficiency due to heat damage.

It is another objective of the instant invention to provide aphotovoltaic generation assembly and power supply that can be used todecrease dependency on fossil fuels.

It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a photovoltaicgeneration assembly and power supply that can save money bysupplementing electricity purchased from a utility grid.

It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a photovoltaicgeneration assembly and power supply that can replace the utility gridduring electrical power outages and/or shortages.

It is an objective of the instant invention to provide a photovoltaicgeneration assembly and power supply for use in areas of the worldhaving limited access to electricity, such as developing nations.

It is another objective of the invention to provide a kit includingcomponents for assembling the photovoltaic generation assembly of theinvention.

It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a kit includingcomponents for assembling the photovoltaic power supply of theinvention.

All of the objectives and advantages of the instant invention areapplicable to both the photovoltaic generation assembly and photovoltaicpower supply.

Other objectives, features and advantages of this invention will becomeapparent from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration andexample, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings constitutea part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of the assembly of a photovoltaic powersupply according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a photovoltaic power supply according tothe invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the photovoltaic powersupply of FIG. 2 taken along line 1-1;

FIG. 4A is an exploded view of a portion of a photovoltaic power supplytaken through the area indicated at A in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4B is an exploded view of a photovoltaic array according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a portion of a photovoltaic power supplytaken through the area indicated at B in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a schematic depiction of the assembly of a photovoltaic diskaccording to the invention;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a photovoltaic disk according to theinvention;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the photovoltaic diskof FIG. 7A taken along line 2-2; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic depiction of the assembly of a fiber optic-fresnellens disk assembly according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.However, the illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary. It isunderstood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is therebyintended. Any alterations and further modifications in the illustrateddevices, and such further application of the principles of the inventionas illustrated herein are contemplated as would normally occur to oneskilled in the art to which the invention relates.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-8, which illustrate the photovoltaic generationassembly and power supply of the invention:

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing demonstrating how individual componentsare pieced together to assemble a photovoltaic power supply according toa preferred embodiment of the invention. The individual components 1 areshown positioned for assembly into the photovoltaic power supply. First,the interior components are assembled. Insertable members 3 a and 3 bare engaged such that they enclose photovoltaic array 5. In thisembodiment, insertable members 3 a and 3 b are hemispherically shapedsuch that when engaged photovoltaic array 5 is circularly enclosed.Although a hemispherical shape is a preferred embodiment, the shape ofthe insertable members is not limited thereto. Insertable memberspreferably have an internally-reflective surface 4. A non-limitingexample of such an internally-reflective surface is a mirror. Asenclosed by insertable members 3 a and 3 b, photovoltaic array 5 is slidinto slot 7 of internal frame 2 d of the light-impervious housing.Photovoltaic array 5 is shown having four photovoltaic elements 6, butis not limited to any specific number. Three photovoltaic arrays, 8 a, 8b and 8 c, are shown positioned in internal frame 2 d. Internal framesmay have any number of slots for positioning photovoltaic arrays. Whenall photovoltaic arrays have been positioned, frame cover 2 e is engagedwith the uncovered distal end of internal frame 2 d and the frame ismounted on top of battery housing 10. The vertical position of internalframe 2 d assures that multiple surfaces of photovoltaic elements 6 areexposed to light energy. A plurality of rechargeable batteries 11 can bestored in battery housing 10. These batteries store power to be utilizedwhen light is not readily available, such as at night or on cloudy days.Next, the exterior components are assembled. The front panel 2 a isengaged with the top/side panel 2 b and the back panel 2 c to form thelight-impervious housing. Preferably, a plurality of light-energycollectors 13 and photovoltaic disks 14 are integral with front panel 2a and top/side panel 2 b. The assembled light-impervious housing is thenengaged with battery housing 10 to enclose frame 2 d. Thus, thephotovoltaic elements 6 are protected from direct exposure to lightenergy. The assembled photovoltaic power supply is then connected to theelectrical system of the building to which it is to supply power throughelectrical control 12. Voltage inverter 9 is electrically connected tothe system to convert the DC power produced by the assembly to morecommonly utilized AC power.

The components of the photovoltaic generation assembly and power supplyare suitable for packaging in a kit. Such a kit would include all theindividual components necessary to assemble a complete photovoltaicgeneration assembly and power supply, a container for storing thecomponents and written instructions explaining how to assemble thecomponents into the completed product. A kit of this nature iscommercially advantageous and can be used to conveniently transport anddeliver all of the materials necessary to assemble and install thedescribed photovoltaic generation assembly and power supply.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an assembled photovoltaic powersupply ready for installation at a structure to which power is to besupplied, for example, but not limited to, a home or office building.Electrical control 12 is also designed to work with a solar trackingdevice(s) and/or flywheel generator 15. Solar tracking devices arecontemplated for inclusion in a an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the photovoltaic powersupply of FIG. 2 taken along line 1-1 in FIG. 2. This view shows fiberoptic bundles 16. Fiber optic bundles 16 transfer light fromlight-energy collectors 13 to the interior through insertable members 3a and 3 b to both sides of the photovoltaic array 5. When the cold lightcontacts the photovoltaic element, electrical energy is generated. Theuse of fiber optics keeps the light transfer cold, minimizing heatdamage to the photovoltaic cells. The fiber optic element is preferablya fiber optic bundle comprising a plurality of glass or plastic fibers,but is not limited thereto.

FIG. 4A is an exploded view of a portion of the photovoltaic powersupply taken through the area indicated A in FIG. 3. When light entersthe fiber optic bundle 16 only a portion is transferred directly to thephotovoltaic element 6, since some of the light travels around thephotovoltaic elements. The internal-reflective surface 4 of theinsertable members prevents loss of light by reflecting and focusinglight (that passes around the photovoltaic element) back to thephotovoltaic surface. Preferably, internal reflective surface 4 is amirror, but is not limited thereto. It is known that a reflectivesurface is selected according to the properties of the particular solarcells being used. One of skill in the art would know how to match areflective surface and a solar cell for optimum efficiency. Althougheight fiber optic bundles 16 are shown entering insertable member 3 a,any number of fiber optic bundles is contemplated for use in thedescribed invention.

FIG. 4B is an exploded view of a photovoltaic array 5 according to theinvention. Although photovoltaic array 5 is shown having sixphotovoltaic elements 6, any number of photovoltaic elements 6 iscontemplated for use in the described invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view taken through the area indicated at B in FIG.3. The detail of the assembly in operation is shown. Light enterslight-energy collector 13 at area C, is focused at area D andtransferred by fiber optic bundle 16 to the surface of photovoltaicelement 6. Internal-reflective surface 4 of insertable members 3 a and 3b reflect light back to the photovoltaic surface, minimizing loss oflight through scatter and maximizing the amount of light absorbed by thephotovoltaic element 6.

Additionally, FIG. 5 shows a photovoltaic disk 14 in cross-section.Photovoltaic disks are integral to the light-impervious housing atpanels 2 a and 2 b. A photovoltaic disk 14, according to the invention,comprises a plurality of tightly-packed fiber optic elements 17 enclosedwithin a cramp ring 19 placed on the surface of photovoltaic element 18.The tightly-packed fiber optic elements 17 increase the quantity oflight captured by preventing deflection of light. Cramp ring 19functions to maintain the tightly-packed structure of the disk. Thephotovoltaic disk 14 increases the quantity of light captured since thetightly-packed fiber optic elements 17 prevent deflection of light.

FIG. 6 is a schematic depiction of the assembly of photovoltaic disk 14according to the invention. The components of the disk are positionedfor assembly. First, a plurality of tightly-packed fiber optic elements17 enclosed within a cramp ring 19 are placed on the top surface of aphotovoltaic element 18 completely covering the surface and then both(fiber optic element and photovoltaic element) are enclosed within diskhousing 20. The photovoltaic disk 14 can be integrated withinlight-impervious housing panels 2 a or 2 b using pin 21. Venting hole 22in disk housing 20 cools the photovoltaic element 18 during operation.The tightly-packed fiber optic elements 17 protect photovoltaic element18 against heat and light reflection.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a fully assembled photovoltaic disk 14according to the invention having universal multi-function solar cellapplication. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of half of thephotovoltaic disk 14 shown in FIG. 7A taken along line 2-2.

Another embodiment of light transfer via fiber optics is illustrated inFIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing of the assembly of a fiberoptic-fresnel lens disk according to the invention. Light enterslight-energy collector 13 at area C, is focused at area D andtransferred by fiber optic bundle 16 akin to previously-describedembodiments. However, in this embodiment, fiber optic bundle 16 isdivided into a plurality of smaller fiber optic bundles 24, eachintegrated in a ring support 25. Fresnel lens 26 is placed such that itcompletely covers fiber optic bundles 24. Fresnel lens 26 directlyfocuses light transferred via fiber optic bundles 24 to the surface ofphotovoltaic element 6. Fresnel lens 26 and ring support 25 are enclosedwithin housing 23 which is engaged with photovoltaic array 5 such thatthe entire surface of photovoltaic element 6 is covered by fresnel lens26. A photovoltaic power supply can include one or more fiberoptic-fresnel lens disks 27.

In view of the description above, it will now be well understood thatthe present invention provides a compact photovoltaic generationassembly exhibiting improved photovoltaic efficiency and an extendedoperating life as compared to conventional photovoltaic systems which isinexpensive and convenient to use.

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification areindicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which theinvention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporatedby reference to the same extent as if each individual publication wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention isillustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangementherein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to whatis shown and described in the specification and drawings/figures.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the presentinvention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain theends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. Thephotovoltaic generation assemblies, photovoltaic power supplies and kitsdescribed herein are presently representative of the preferredembodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended aslimitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur tothose skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of theinvention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Althoughthe invention has been described in connection with specific preferredembodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimedshould not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed,various modifications of the described modes for carrying out theinvention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended tobe within the scope of the following claims.

1. A photovoltaic (PV) generation assembly comprising: at least onephotovoltaic element, each said photovoltaic element having a firstplanar surface, a second planar surface, and an edge surface coextensivewith both said first planar surface and said second planar surface; alight-impervious housing for preventing direct exposure of saidphotovoltaic element to a source of light energy; at least a first lightenergy collector and a second light energy collector, said first andsecond light energy collectors being integral with said light-impervioushousing; and at least a first fiber optic element and a second fiberoptic element, said first fiber optic element being integral with saidfirst light energy collector and said second fiber optic element beingintegral with said second light energy collector; wherein said firstlight energy collector is configured to focus light incident thereononto said first fiber optic element and said second light energycollector is configured to focus light incident thereon onto said secondfiber optic element wherein said first fiber optic element is configuredto direct cold light energy to only said first planar surface of saidphotovoltaic element and said second fiber optic element is configuredto direct cold light energy to only said second planar surface of saidphotovoltaic element, whereby contacting said cold light energy withsaid photovoltaic element generates electrical energy.
 2. Thephotovoltaic (PV) generation assembly as in claim 1 wherein said lightenergy is solar energy.
 3. The photovoltaic (PV) generation assembly asin claim 1 wherein said first and second light energy collectors arelenses.
 4. The photovoltaic (PV) generation assembly as in claim 1wherein said first and second fiber optic elements are fiber opticbundles.
 5. The photovoltaic (PV) generation assembly as in claim 4wherein said fiber optic bundles comprise a plurality of optical fibers.6. The photovoltaic (PV) generation assembly as in claim 5 wherein saidoptical fibers comprise glass.
 7. The photovoltaic (PV) generationassembly as in claim 1 further comprising at least one member insertableinto said light-impervious housing wherein said at least one member hasan internal reflective surface for reflecting said cold light energy tosaid at least one photovoltaic element.
 8. The photovoltaic (PV)generation assembly as in claim 7 wherein said internal reflectivesurface is a mirror.
 9. The photovoltaic (PV) generation assembly as inclaim 7 wherein said at least one member is hemispherically shaped. 10.The photovoltaic (PV) generation assembly as in claim 8 wherein said atleast one member is hemispherically shaped.
 11. The photovoltaic (PV)generation assembly as in claim 1 further comprising at least onephotovoltaic disk integral with said light-impervious housing whereinsaid disk comprises a plurality of optical fibers and said at least onephotovoltaic element.
 12. The photovoltaic (PV) generation assembly asin claim 7 further comprising at least one photovoltaic disk integralwith said light-impervious housing wherein said disk comprises aplurality of optical fibers and said at least one photovoltaic element.13. The photovoltaic (PV) generation assembly as in claim 1 furthercomprising at least one fiber optic fresnel lens disk integral with saidfirst or second fiber optic element wherein said disk comprises afresnel lens coupled with a member comprising a plurality of fiber opticelements distributed throughout a surface and a housing for said disk.14. The photovoltaic (PV) generation assembly as in claim 7 furthercomprising at least one fiber optic fresnel lens disk integral with saidfirst or second fiber optic element wherein said disk comprises afresnel lens coupled with a member comprising a plurality of fiber opticelements distributed throughout a surface and a housing for said disk.15. A photovoltaic (PV) power supply comprising: at least onephotovoltaic element, said photovoltaic element having a first planarsurface, a second planar surface, and an edge surface coextensive withboth said first planar surface and said second planar surface; aplurality of rechargeable batteries in electrical communication withsaid at least one photovoltaic element; a light-impervious housing forpreventing direct exposure of said photovoltaic element to a source oflight energy; at least a first light energy collector and a second lightenergy collector, said first and second light energy collectors beingintegral with said light-impervious housing; and at least a first fiberoptic element and a second fiber optic element, said first fiber opticelement being integral with said first light energy collector and saidsecond fiber optic element being integral with said second light energycollector; wherein said first light energy collector is configured tofocus light incident thereon onto said first fiber optic element andsaid second light energy collector is configured to focus light incidentthereon onto said second fiber optic element wherein said first fiberoptic element is configured to direct cold light energy to only saidfirst planar surface of said photovoltaic element and said second fiberoptic element is configured to direct cold light energy to only saidsecond planar surface of said photovoltaic element, whereby contactingsaid cold light energy with said photovoltaic element generateselectrical energy.
 16. The photovoltaic (PV) power supply as in claim 15further comprising a housing for said plurality of rechargeablebatteries.
 17. The photovoltaic (PV) power supply as in claim 15 furthercomprising a voltage inverter in electrical communication with saidplurality of rechargeable batteries.
 18. The photovoltaic (PV) powersupply as in claim 15 wherein said first and second light energycollector are lens.
 19. The photovoltaic (PV) power supply as in claim15 wherein said first and second fiber optic elements are fiber opticbundles.
 20. The photovoltaic (PV) power supply as in claim 19 whereinsaid fiber optic bundles comprise a plurality of optical fibers.
 21. Thephotovoltaic (PV) power supply as in claim 20 wherein said opticalfibers comprise glass.
 22. The photovoltaic (PV) power supply as inclaim 15 further comprising at least one member insertable into saidlight-impervious housing wherein said at least one member has aninternal reflective surface for reflecting said cold light energy tosaid at least one photovoltaic element.
 23. The photovoltaic (PV) powersupply as in claim 22 wherein said internal reflective surface is amirror.
 24. The photovoltaic (PV) power supply as in claim 22 whereinsaid at least one member is hemispherically shaped.
 25. The photovoltaic(PV) power supply as in claim 23 wherein said at least one member ishemisphericaily shaped.
 26. The photovoltaic (PV) generation assembly asin claim 15 further comprising at least one photovoltaic disk integralwith said light-impervious housing wherein said disk comprises aplurality of optical fibers and said at least one photovoltaic element.27. The photovoltaic (PV) generation assembly as in claim 22 furthercomprising at least one photovoltaic disk integral with saidlight-impervious housing wherein said disk comprises a plurality ofoptical fibers and said at least one photovoltaic element.
 28. Thephotovoltaic (PV) generation assembly as in claim 15 further comprisingat least one fiber optic-fresnel lens disk integral with said first orsecond fiber optic element wherein said disk comprises a fresnel lenscoupled with a member having a plurality of fiber optic elementsdistributed throughout a surface and a housing for said disk.
 29. Thephotovoltaic (PV) generation assembly as in claim 22 further comprisingat least one fiber opticfresnel lens disk integral with said first orsecond fiber optic element wherein said disk comprises a fresnel lenscoupled with a member having a plurality of fiber optic elementsdistributed throughout a surface and a housing for said disk.